Michele Hunter: 2024 candidate for Illinois House District 54

Bio

Party: Republican

Office Sought: Illinois House District 54

City: Arlington Heights

Age: 55

Occupation: Attorney

Previous offices held: N/A

How should the state respond to the influx of migrants bussed here from Southern states?

Illinois needs to rescind the proclamation declaring us a “sanctuary state.” That designation coupled with a host of incentives including housing, education, food, and other benefits are appealing to migrants. Southern states have had to deal with the frontline of the border crisis and if migrants wish to go to Illinois or New York, they are welcomed.

Are you satisfied with the state's existing ethics policies for senators and representatives? If so, what about the policies should reassure Illinoisans that elected leaders abide by high standards? If not, what changes need to be made?

The link between serving in the legislature and then lobbying that same body needs to be broken. Legislators and top aides in government should be barred from lobbying and greater reporting and transparency needs to be implemented.

Would you support a requirement that election petitions include a line asking candidates for their campaign email address?

No.

How well do you think criminal justice reforms made in recent years are working? What, if any, changes need to be made?

The SAFE-T Act needs to be repealed. The statistics on the impact are mixed and the less measurable effects such as witness intimidation and recidivism coupled with the fact that the “reforms” were skewed toward law enforcement are much more difficult to read. In effect, the SAFE-T Act handcuffs the police and emboldens criminals.

We now have an assault weapons ban in Illinois. What if any changes should be made to the law? What more can be done to improve gun safety?

I do not believe that “assault weapon bans” address the issue of crimes committed with guns. Time and again we read the stories of some prior infraction that was swept under the rug and the perpetrator then graduating to a much more serious offense including murder.

Illinois is the only state in the nation that mandates regular behind-the-wheel tests for senior drivers. Do you support any changes?

I don’t support arbitrary burdens placed on seniors because of their age.

What personal qualifications do you bring that would make you an effective legislator?

I am an attorney who has past experience as a law clerk for an appellate judge. That job required study of state statute and the application of those laws. As an attorney I have learned the skill of advocacy and as a state representative I will advocate for my constituents and businesses impacted by bad laws and regulation from Springfield.